Articles

Back when actual papers were delivered to our house, I would cut out articles that were relevant to my work as a psychotherapist. I was recently cleaning out my files and came across one from the Toronto Star, way back in April 2010 as far as I can tell, titled “Hey Kids, Why Is Dad […]

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in caring for loved ones who are ill, elderly, or disabled. The success of the relationship between you and your loved one depends on several factors. One of the most important is how well you take care of yourself, empowering yourself to be there for […]

If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know how difficult it can be to integrate all of the new members and adjust to the new boundaries and rules. The following ideas may help you make a successful transition during this challenging process. Have patience. Establishing new families takes time. Just because you love […]

Poor communication patterns erode self-esteem and harm relationships but sadly, plenty of people fall into the trap of indulging in them. If you and your relationship partners follow these rules and steer clear of the habits of destructive communication, you will almost certainly feel better about each other and your relationship. 1. Use I-messages instead […]

In my work as a mental health professional, I have seen many clients dealing with losses of all kinds—loss of loved ones through death and divorce, for instance. These experiences are difficult for everyone. Stages of Recovery from Loss There are some predictable stages that most people pass through after losing something or someone important. […]

It is reported that suicide, the act of deliberately ending one’s own life, is a cause of death for about 4,500 people each year in Canada. Since many suicides are not reported as such, the actual number is most likely much higher. Suicide goes unreported because of its stigma or because family members find it […]

This is the second of a series of two newsletters that explore the dynamics of perfectionism. In my last newsletter, you learned what perfectionism is and why people develop the need to do things perfectly. In this issue, you will learn how to change your perfectionist behaviours and enable yourself to be more satisfied with […]

This is the first of two articles that address perfectionism. In this article, we will explore what perfectionism is and why it is destructive. In the next one, we will take a look at some strategies for both controlling the need to be perfect and living a more relaxed, satisfying life. What Is Perfectionism? Perfectionists […]

Signs of Self-Confidence Let’s explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking a quiz. Read the list of statements below and check which ones, in your opinion, are signs of self-confidence. Admitting when you are wrong. Being flexible when change is needed. Talking about your accomplishments. Describing negative events in positive terms. For example, “We didn’t […]